This was a tricky one...I liked some things about the book, but the main character is kind of problematic and I didn't love the writing. It was just alright.

This is the most fun I’ve had reading a book in so long. It hit my emotions and tapped into my childhood imagination and love for books like The Chronicles of Narnia. Meg creates characters you want to root for and be friends with. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to read this!

This was a really feel-good novel that contains so much love for books and the nostalgia of loving them in your childhood. I'm giving this 4 stars because while it was enjoyable, it was almost TOO sappy-sweet at times. Still a good book, and I'll read whatever the author writes next!

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. Some of it was almost too sappy sweet, but even that was enjoyable. If you were a book lover as a child, this will appeal to you. Sort of reminded me of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library.

I liked the characters and the story moved along well.

📖My Thoughts📖

Sometimes I forget that there’s magical books out there that take you back to a time when you had the innocence of a child. This one kind of made me feel this way. It was kind of like watching the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory but with a lot more riddles. I’m not entirely sure how to describe this book. I can tell you that it made me feel like a kid (in a good way) but that just doesn’t see right. I guess it’s like the kids version of a Hallmark movie, with a dash of modern day Disney? It just encompasses you, transporting you into the book and magical, but not in the sense of Witches and Magicians, magical in the sense that it just shuts the world around you out, draws out that heartwarming, empathetic and serene feeling because of the way it played out. I was completely enthralled with this book. It was beautifully written capturing the audience’s attention. I love the way the author alternates between present day and characters in the authors series. I really loved this book and definitely recommend it.
Thank you Netgalley, Meg Shaffer and Random House Publishing Company for the opportunity to read and review this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

This was a feel good read and quite enjoyable. The story mostly takes place on an island after a contest is announced from a beloved children's book author. The winner will receive the last book in the series. There are riddles and challenges for the contestants who are participating. The book did feel a little bit YA to me but was enjoyable and entertaining.

Overall I enjoyed the story and the characters. I would say that it's not a very complex story, rather simply laid out by someone who is a large fan of various fantasy books that have been published in the last 20 years. While it was rather predictable in the outcome, it was still a sweet story.

“The Wishing Game” truly gives off “Willy Wonka/Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” vibes. It’s whimsical, full of riddles, takes place on a mysterious private island, and weaves in familial themes. Imagine my surprise when I come to find that this book isn’t categorized as a YA read. It’s for adults… A juvenile plot that attempted to incorporate heavy topics and loveable characters that just, unfortunately, falls short.

I was looking forward to ‘the game’ - the riddles and challenges. They all started out as fun enough but they quickly lost their luster. I had also hoped to take a deep dive in exploring the mystery and enchantment of Clock Island but experiencing that sense of magic was severely lacking.

For such a high-stakes game, this story seems to simply skim the surface with its details, character dynamics, and themes – a level of ‘depth’ one might associate with middle-grade literature tailored to that demographic. If you approach this book with that perspective, I think you’ll find the story charming enough. Or if you’re simply seeking a heartwarming read that delivers emotional satisfaction with everyone receiving their happy ending, you’ll find fulfillment within these pages. I just couldn’t shake the feeling of expecting more.

this is a book bout an immature teachers assistant who is very whiney and has a creepy relationship with a child. Not interested.

I just absolutely loved this book. It was absolutely adorable and made me smile the entire time. As a book lover, I just felt transported to a world where books come to.life, like I was kid again.

1. Did not like the main character *AT ALL*. Her behavior was completely inappropriate towards Christopher - he was a student in her school and she would pull him on her lap, hug him, buy him gifts, call him "son" - WILDLY inappropriate. I almost stopped the first time this happened and if I could go back in time, I'd tell myself to do so! She was $2k in debt and couldn't buy him a $15 gift (which she shouldn't be doing anyway...) yet thought she could be his mom??!!! I couldn't stand how she was portrayed as being so perfect and flawless; it couldn't be any more obvious how we were SUPPOSED to be rooting for her. But I thought she was an idiot.

2. The Clock Island premise was weak. The excerpts of books weren't strong enough to indicate that this weirdo on an island could write so many books that would be so popular/well received. And he seemingly celebrated a handful of kids running away to try to live with him? What about these books lured the kids to the island and why would he be happy about it? It felt like there was no effort made towards deterring these kids from running away to the weirdo on an island whose response to them running away was to tell them how much he loves them.

This was a whimsical read that required a lot of suspension of disbelief. It was possibly the activities going on in my life at the time that made me not appreciate this book as much as I should have. If you love books about books, this is for you!

Lucy Hart grew up with a childhood of neglect and loneliness, but she found her solace in books. Her favorite among them was the Clock Island series by Jack Masterson. She is now a teacher's aide and is sharing her able to share of love of reading with her bright, young students. One student in particular, Christopher, has been orphaned after the death of his parents, and Lucy would love nothing more than to adopt him, but he idea seems impossible without funds and stability.

Jack announces he is finally written a new book and is holding a contest on the real Clock Island to win the one and only copy. Lucy and Christopher would love to be the winners of the most sought-after book in the world.

This book was absolutely beautiful. The writing was really well done and it perfectly captures what reading can mean to someone.

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballentine Books for an advanced eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted so so badly to like this book. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me. As a former teacher, I just couldn’t get past Lucy and Christopher’s relationship. I didn’t find myself connecting with any of the characters or the storyline. Overall, this story was just not for me

When I started reading the wishing game, I was a little, overwhelmed by the intensity of the story. But then a second story started happening, a whimsical story, a world of imagination and escape. When I started learning more about the characters, I learned that they all had an intensity to their story, and they all needed that second whimsical story as well to survive.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review

Thank you for the opportunity to read this novel.

It was a cute story! I liked the premise of this author making the story within the story come to life. I was very interested in reading the Clock Island series (and wished it was real) it seemed like stories I would enjoy as a child.

I didn't love the Hugo / Lucy relationship piece and felt a little weird about it knowing how they met.

It also at times seemed a little too perfect how things were working out for Lucy.

All in all I would recommend to a friend looking for an easy, cozy novel.

LOVED this book!! The story of an eccentric author, Jack, his illustrator, Hugo, and the island, Clock Island, that inspired his magical books. Lucy enters the contest put on by Jack on the island in hopes of winning so that she can adopt Christopher. Hugo who lost his brother Davey ends up falling for Lucy. All the characters are all truly engaging. I cried through the last 2 chapters. Cannot wait to read this author’s next book.

Take a leap into a fairy tale with The Wishing Game. What would you do if you found yourself in the world of your favorite childhood books? For these characters one wish can be life changing.

In The Wishing Game, Lucy Hart's life is shaped by a challenging past marked by neglect. She finds herself seeking comfort in the children's book series, Clock Island by Jack Masterson. As a teacher's aide, she dreams of adopting seven-year-old Christopher, an orphan yearning for a family. The book has a Willy Wonkaish theme and Jack announces a contest for the only copy of his new book. Lucy is invited to be one of the contestants, embarking on a journey to Clock Island. The contest and visit to Clock Island are filled with challenges, riddles, ruthless collectors, wishes, and many encounters with Jack’s illustrator, Hugo Reese.

Some themes throughout the book I enjoyed were overcoming fears, a world where wishes come true, and the power of love conquers all. This book was a pick outside of my norm and wasn’t my favorite, but I can see why so many readers love it! The ending made my heart melt, but I couldn’t get into the riddles and games throughout the story. This was a slow read for me, but if you enjoy Harry Potter, Willy Wonka, and the Hunger Games you should check this out!

Thank you NetGalley, Meg Shaffer, and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. The Wishing Game is available now!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer was a joy to read. I want to give you very little info because I went into this book blind and I think that's the best way to go.
If you like life affirming, whimsical and cozy writing this one is for you!